Link to article: https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-pakistan-border-clashes-33b859210f87c6920a6a1af1be3530cb
This article describes the recent tensions that have arisen between Afghanistan and Pakistan in the context of Afghanistan’s accusations towards Pakistan. The accusations include cross-border attacks, which caused civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure, such as schools and mosques, in the Kunar province of Afghanistan. Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of being responsible for all the mentioned above, while Pakistan rejects these claims and argues that the previous attacks launched from Afghanistan territories claimed the lives of Pakistani citizens. For months, the two countries have been involved in violence, during which several hundred people were killed starting from February. There is an opinion that the violence in the area was orchestrated by the terrorist organization Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan operating in Pakistan.
From this case, one can conclude that there has been a longstanding instability between the two countries related to the territorial disputes and activities of the militant groups within their borders. Mentioning the controversial history of the Durand Line indicates that the issue is deep-rooted. Both sides’ refusal to acknowledge the responsibility for the crimes is associated with poor diplomatic relations. Furthermore, the involvement of non-state actors makes the case rather complicated. In addition, although peace talks took place under Chinese mediation, the ongoing violence proves that the agreement was ineffective. There are risks of aggravating the situation and attracting other powers to interfere.
Afghanistan is expected to seek international condemnation of the actions taken by Pakistan. Pakistan may continue putting emphasis on the security of the citizens who suffer from terrorist attacks. Both sides will return to negotiations, in which, according to expectations, China can take part as a mediator. To ease the situation, confidence-building measures, such as joint monitoring or intelligence exchange, can be applied. However, in case of escalation, the countries are going to increase military pressure on each other. Regional or international organizations can become involved in negotiations. In order to achieve sustainable peace, the governments should eliminate militant networks and conclude a new deal concerning the disputed territories.
This article has an evident connection to conflict and the issues of interstate conflict, in particular. The issue is also connected to the concept of sovereignty, as the accusation of crossing borders can be perceived in terms of violation of state sovereignty. Challenges to state control, which refer to the problem of involvement of militant groups are also worth mentioning. In addition, the article has a connection to the topics of peace and conflict resolution. Finally, it has something to do with power, specifically with the power of smaller states.